We are ready to announce that our team of counsel will be joining forces with the firm of Miller Nash Graham & Dunn, LLP (MNG&D). Our alliance provides the clients of Reiser Legal with affordable access to the Northwest’s most fully-equipped beverage law practice.

This combination of resources ensures that our clients don’t have to go out-of-house to seek additional legal services. This means that you will now have access to first-rate assistance in many additional areas, including securities regulation, employment relations, tax, real estate financing and leasing, import/export, and the full range of federal and state litigation.

As craft-oriented legal counsel, we have developed close relationships with each of our clients. The Reiser Legal team talked with many firms in an effort to find the best marriage of craft beverage ideals and high-quality legal services. We found those traits in Paul Havel, head of the craft beverage law division at MNG&D – and we can’t wait to introduce Paul and his team of experienced beverage attorneys.

If you are interested in working with our team, please email us or call us at 503.205.2596. We hope you are as excited as we about this new alliance!

]]>http://brewerylaw.com/2016/11/bigger-and-better-the-reiser-legal-team-joins-miller-nash-graham-dunn-llp/feed0Brewery Trademark Coexistence Agreementshttp://brewerylaw.com/2016/06/brewery-trademark-coexistence-agreements
http://brewerylaw.com/2016/06/brewery-trademark-coexistence-agreements#commentsTue, 21 Jun 2016 19:45:33 +0000http://brewerylaw.com/?p=1600When trademark disputes pop up, often breweries agree to get along. In doing so, two beverage businesses can seek what’s called a trademark coexistence agreement. This is an agreement that essentially sets forth trademark restrictions on both brands, as the businesses mutually form a plan to distinguish themselves in the marketplace. A trademark coexistence agreement […]

]]>Often trademark coexistence agreements include a consent agreement (the picture is an excerpt from one), whereby the parties consent to one another’s registrations. The USPTO, however, does not have to accept such agreements.

When trademark disputes pop up, often breweries agree to get along. In doing so, two beverage businesses can seek what’s called a trademark coexistence agreement. This is an agreement that essentially sets forth trademark restrictions on both brands, as the businesses mutually form a plan to distinguish themselves in the marketplace. A trademark coexistence agreement might, for example, provide that one business will only use the trademark in the name of its brewery. In turn, the other brewery may agree to only use the trademark as a single beer name. These agreements can be between two breweries, or they might be between businesses in different product categories. For example, a trademark coexistence agreement may be between an energy drink company and a brewery, a distillery and a winery, and so on.

One boon of a trademark coexistence agreement is that it settles the matter between the parties, giving each confidence in moving forward using its brand. Another boon, however, is that a trademark coexistence agremeent may help both brands obtain a federal trademark registration.

Imagine this common scenario.

Brewery A applies for a trademark, we’ll make up a mark and say the mark is GREEN PARADE.

Brewery A receives a trademark office action response. The response is an Office Action stating a Section 2(d) refusal to register the mark. The reasoning behind the Office Action is that another brewery, Brewery B, has a registration for, say, “BLUE PARADER BREWING CO.” The trademark examiner cautiously sees the closeness between GREEN PARADE and BLUE PARADER BREWING CO., and sees that both are on beer. The examiner believes there is a likelihood of confusion. Brewery A then has six months to respond to the Office Action and urge why confusion is not likely, else Brewery A may not be able to obtain its federal trademark.

Notably, though, he United States Trademark Office may refuse a trademark application when the two parties themselves don’t necessarily see a problem. For example, Brewery B called BLUE PARADER BREWING CO. may have no problem with Brewery A’s use of GREEN PARADE. Perhaps GREEN PARADE is the name of Brewery A’s IPA, and that’s it.

In this instance, Brewery A and Brewery B could hammer out an agreement between them that sets forth a plan to coexist in the marketplace. This is a trademark coexistence agreement. Typically, the document contains an ancillary agreement called a trademark consent agreement. The purpose of the trademark consent agreement is to concisely set forth the main terms of the coexistence agreement, in a way aimed toward presentation to the USPTO trademark examining attorney.

The trademark examining attorney can use the consent agreement as evidence there is not a likelihood of confusion. After all, if the mark owner itself does not see a problem, it makes sense to defer to that mark owner’s judgment.

That said, the trademark examining attorney is not bound to accept the consent agreement. Sometimes, if the marks are just too close, even if the breweries agree, both may not be able to obtain a federal trademark registration. Of note, there was a recent matter where two breweries agreed to coexist. One brewery had TIME TRAVELER BLONDE, and the other brewery had just TIME TRAVELER. Despite a coexistence agreement and a consent agreement, the examining attorney believed the marks were nevertheless too similar. There was an appeal, and the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board agreed with the trademark examining attorney.

]]>http://brewerylaw.com/2016/06/brewery-trademark-coexistence-agreements/feed0MN Brewer Files Employment Discrimination Lawsuithttp://brewerylaw.com/2016/06/mn-brewer-files-employment-discrimination-lawsuit
http://brewerylaw.com/2016/06/mn-brewer-files-employment-discrimination-lawsuit#commentsFri, 17 Jun 2016 14:00:57 +0000http://brewerylaw.com/?p=1595These days, it’s still rare to see a craft brewery in any sort of legal hot water (unless it’s a contentious trademark dispute). However, a recent employment discrimination action filed by a former Minnesota brewer has serious allegations. This particular lawsuit calls into question the rationale for the brewer’s termination. Specifically, the former brewer alleges that the […]

]]>A lawsuit filed by a terminated brewery in Minnesota serves as a reminder—breweries are subject to the same sorts of issues as any other employer, and would be well-served to regularly visit their hiring and termination practices.

These days, it’s still rare to see a craft brewery in any sort of legal hot water (unless it’s a contentious trademark dispute). However, a recent employment discrimination action filed by a former Minnesota brewer has serious allegations.

This particular lawsuit calls into question the rationale for the brewer’s termination. Specifically, the former brewer alleges that the brewery improperly discharged him due to (1) his race and (2) his age, contrary to federal and state law.

This matter is worth noting, whatever the ultimate outcome. Indeed, it reminds us all that breweries are subject to the same standards as any other employer, and would be well served to regularly visit and re-visit hiring and termination practices. For most small breweries, having a dedicated HR team is out of the question—and the budget. However, a consult with an experienced employment lawyer can be well worth the initial investment, to help shore up internal policies, put in place a system for record-keeping, and generally set up a framework for helping the brewery navigate difficult decisions and circumstances down the road.

]]>http://brewerylaw.com/2016/06/mn-brewer-files-employment-discrimination-lawsuit/feed0Can I License a Brewery at Home?http://brewerylaw.com/2016/06/license-a-brewery-at-home
http://brewerylaw.com/2016/06/license-a-brewery-at-home#commentsFri, 17 Jun 2016 00:07:32 +0000http://brewerylaw.com/?p=1590Here’s part two of our homebrew series. See part one if you’re curious about the legality of homebrewing generally, and the common questions we see about homebrew-related activities. This part is for the dreamers out there who see an opportunity to potentially go pro, without excessive startup costs. We are often asked, can I brew […]

]]>Ever wondered if you could start a professional brewery in your shed or garage? Might be possible! Here are the issues typically at play for the would-be professional homebrewer.

Here’s part two of our homebrew series. See part one if you’re curious about the legality of homebrewing generally, and the common questions we see about homebrew-related activities. This part is for the dreamers out there who see an opportunity to potentially go pro, without excessive startup costs.

We are often asked, can I brew commercial beer at my house? Can I open a brewery in my garage? Will TTB license my outbuilding as a brewery? Is it possible to open a brewery on residential property?

The answer is a resounding…maybe! But that’s more promising than a no, right?

We totally get the desire to try to open a brewery at home. You avoid costly commercial leases. You can build out on a leisurely timeline. Wear rubber boots over your pajamas if you want. It seems like a tantalizing way to cost-effectively start producing beer, and then sell kegs into the local market. That way, you may be able to generate a bit of brand recognition and see how it goes, before committing to bigger expenses. (And, of course, having a professional homebrewery comes with bragging rights, doesn’t it?)

First, here’s a bit about the federal perspective on licensing a brewery on residential property. Then, keep reading, as we’ll dive into issues that may lurk on the state and local side of things.

TTB’s Approach to Home Professional Breweries: “Dwelling House”

From TTB’s chair, a brewery may not be established in any “dwelling house.” That’s in the code. So what in the heck does that mean? Keep in mind that TTB Brewer’s Notice applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. But what is worth noting is that TTB typically analyzes the residential issue in the following way.

A brewery typically may be located on residential property in the following circumstances (though TTB has final say):

-Ideally, if the building is detached from the residence. The proposed brewery premises would be in an outbuilding, for example. The outbuilding would need to be secure, with locking doors and windows. We have helped clients obtain approvals for these kinds of properties.

-What about an attached garage? Well, TTB may allow this, although it is subject to even deeper scrutiny. Here, there could not be access between the residence and the would-be brewery. So, for example, if there is a door into the residence, that would have to be walled off or blocked. If the garage connects to the residence through a breezeway of sorts, it is a closer call. As of the time of writing, we have not had anyone decide to give this a shot.

-Lease allowing the activity. Keep in mind also that TTB requires that applicants have the legal right to operate a brewery at the specified premises. If you personally own the property, but you have an entity (such as an LLC) that is going to operate the brewery, then the entity needs to have lease rights to this location. Moreover, if there is a lease in place, the same rule applies. TTB will need to make sure the entity has rights, via a lease, that allow the production of alcohol. If a landlord is not cool with this setup, then it’s not going to fly.

State and Local Issues with Home Professional Breweries

We’ve noted the general TTB concerns. However, it is worth mentioning that even if TTB would be okay with licensing a premises, state or local concerns may get in the way. Indeed, TTB is a federal agency. In issuing an approval, TTB is not going to make sure all of the state and local ducks are in a row. TTB makes its independent decision. There is the concern of state regulators, of course. However, there are also potential zoning and code issues to consider.

State Regulators: In Washington, for example, LCB often takes the same approach as TTB. Detached residential (outbuilding) tends to work. A garage is a closer call, but with the above-noted steps, plus TTB approval, it seems likely LCB would follow TTB’s lead.

Zoning Concerns for the Professional Homebrewer

Here may be the catch. When you operate a brewery, you are making a form of commercial use of your property. Zoning restrictions may or may not allow the operation of a brewery at the residence. It is an absolute must that the would-be professional homebrewer investigate the zoning of the property.

In general, the more rural the property, the more uses like these are possible. The less rural, the trickier it gets. If the zoning of the property is residential, it may nevertheless be possible to go through a “Home Occupation” process of sorts whereby you apply to operate a business at your home. If you meet certain conditions, the local zoning folks may issue you approval. Nevertheless, pay attention to the home occupation requirements, if applicable. It may be that if your neighbors take issue with the smell of the operation (even if you aren’t brewing at a bigger scale than you were homebrewing), they could put the kibosh on your home occupation. They may also receive notice of your plans and have the opportunity to object up front (so, it goes without saying, that you’ll want to have a good relationship with those around you). Beyond that, the zoning office itself may try to frame your business as too industrial, and not within the uses allowed for these kinds of businesses. It may take some explanation, some tap dancing, some selling.

Furthermore, if a pro brewery at home is allowed, then local zoning will dictate the things you can and cannot do in the operation of your brewery. You may only be able to receive deliveries during limited hours, or a certain limited number of days of the week. In some instances, you cannot have any employees, rather, only those living at the residence may operate the busines. You may not care to operate a taproom at the location, but local zoning would also speak to that. It’s likely that unless you are in a rural area, a taproom will be a no-go, and you would only be able to have a limited number of visitors for the purposes of the business. Parking is also an issue. If you are going to have visitors, you may have to provide off-street parking for them. So, if you were going to compliantly take advantage of a mobile-canning service for your wares, this parking issue could rear its head, depending on the configuration of the residential property.

Despite all these caveats, it is well worth exploring the option of licensing a home brewery. Before you sink money into a commercial lease, why not see if the space you have already could fit the bill, and give you a cost-effective way into the wild, rewarding ride of operating a professional brewery? If all goes well, you’ll outgrow the space quickly. Even so, it’ll be fun to one day reminisce about your startup’s humble roots.

]]>http://brewerylaw.com/2016/06/license-a-brewery-at-home/feed0Can I Sell Homebrew? Can I Make Pro Brew at Home?http://brewerylaw.com/2016/06/can-i-sell-homebrew-can-i-make-pro-brew-at-home
http://brewerylaw.com/2016/06/can-i-sell-homebrew-can-i-make-pro-brew-at-home#commentsFri, 10 Jun 2016 14:00:30 +0000http://brewerylaw.com/?p=1581A special post on homebrewing, in honor of all our friends at Homebrew Con 2016 (it’ll always be NHC to me!) who are out there kicking tires on new gear while enjoying the camaraderie and great array of homebrew seminars (and no shortage of homebrew…) out in Baltimore right now. Another homebrew-related post coming tomorrow. So, we know […]

]]>Can you sell your homebrew? Can you make pro brew at home? In this series, we dive into the details of the legal aspects of brewing at a residence.

A special post on homebrewing, in honor of all our friends at Homebrew Con 2016 (it’ll always be NHC to me!) who are out there kicking tires on new gear while enjoying the camaraderie and great array of homebrew seminars (and no shortage of homebrew…) out in Baltimore right now. Another homebrew-related post coming tomorrow.

So, we know you can homebrew. But can you ever sell your homebrew? In other words, can you brew beer at “home” and sell it? Could you run a bona fide brewery business out of your home; make pro brew in your garage? Let’s unpack these common questions, and we’ll do it in two parts.

Homebrewing is legal in all fifty states (thankfully, for our friends in the South, Alabama finally came around!). Federal regulations allow adults to brew up to 100 gallons of homebrew a year if living alone, and up to 200 gallons of homebrew per year for a household. As you might imagine, it’s pretty hard to police that figure, but for this risk-averse attorney, that means my 3.5G weekly batches cleanly put me under that household threshold (for 200G/year, it comes out to about 3.8G/week). Whew.

And for anyone who has thought about going pro, costs are often daunting. Many wonder, could I produce beer at my home somehow, and turn around and sell it? That would mean I could avoid spendy commercial leases, and use the space and gear I’ve got. We’re here to say maybe, and with a lot of caveats; as we don’t represent our dear readers, you should always seek an opinion of counsel in your home state. That said, we have successfully helped people open commercial beverage businesses at their residences. If you’re in the right locality, with the right separations at your premises, it may well be possible. Note, though, that commercially brewing at home as a licensed producer is one thing. That’s sanctioned “Pro Brew” (more on that next time). However, selling “homebrew” without a permit is another, and that’s always a no-no. Here are the issues at play.

First and foremost, absent federal licensure (and applicable state/local permits), you cannot sell alcohol made anywhere. Not no way, not no how.

If you’re interested in opening a commercial brewery at your home, or licensing an outbuilding as a brewery, stay tuned for our next post. If you’re curious about other aspects of homebrew, read on for frequently-asked homebrew questions.

I’m a pro brewer in planning, can I charge for homebrew at an event?

We get asked a lot about charging admission for an event hosted by a brewery in planning. Typically, the would-be brewer wants to woo investors and build up a fanbase before going live. At these events, they want to serve or sell their homemade wares. Keep in mind that the more you edge closer to money and homebrew, the more you’re walking that fine line. Homebrew simply cannot be sold, so a monetary transaction for the beer is not possible. And, in many states, including Washington, to “sell” has a particularly broad definition (including even bartering and exchanging it which may be difficult to enforce but is nonetheless the law). Homebrewers would be well-advised to seek experienced local counsel before serving homebrew anywhere beyond the home or at a friend’s house. Indeed, even pouring at festivals may require notice to applicable regulators.

Can I bring my homebrew to a wedding?

Typically, homebrew is okay at private events. The places where friends, family, and loved ones gather. Just as no one regulates the service of homebrew at your house party, these sorts of events tend to fall in this category. Technically, the federal language refers to homebrew as to be for “personal or family use and not for sale.” Thus, of course, again the standard no-sales caveat applies again. If someone wants to run a business of making custom beer for private events, we’re talking about a licensed business, and not a homebrew operation. Unlike other industries, such as baking or candy-making which can often be conducted right out of the kitchen with minimal permitting, brewing alcohol for commercial purposes is highly regulated. It needs a permit, taxes must be paid on production and, as we’ll touch on tomorrow, it may or may not be possible at a residence.

I’m 18, can I make homebrew….?

According to federal regulations, any adult may produce homebrew. Further, federal regulations clarify that an adult is someone aged eighteen or older. Of course, drinking age laws still apply. Moreover, states can also restrict production of homebrew to those older than 21. But, if your state allows 18+ production, a Mr. Beer Kit for high school graduation is a viable gift idea for your favorite niece or nephew, although probably frowned upon by mom and dad.

Not legally, no way. Home distilling is illegal. Over cocktails, I’ve pontificated about what a licensing process for this might look like, maybe involving permitting and training (and, of course, a healthy fee to the applicable regulators for the classes and annual right to do so). It hasn’t happened yet (and I hope somewhere, someday, someone is reading this and the law has changed). But, take note! At the time of writing, there’s activity in the House and Senate that may help make a path possible. This effort is thanks to the efforts of the Hobby Distiller’s Association.